By Vincent Adaji.
As part of efforts towards sustaining harmonious coexistence between farmers and Fulani herders in Igalamela/Odolu local government area of Kogi state, the Executive Chairman, Hon. James Omachonu Onoja has held a series of meetings with representatives of both parties in his office.
First, he held a closed door meeting with community leaders from Egabada/Odolu and leaders of resident Fulanis. Mallam Kiro Muhammed led the Fulani delegation while Odolu ward councillor, Hon Ojodale Egbunu; Chief Amodu Abu and Community leader, Mr Yusuf Haji led the community delegation.
The Chairman also met with members of Oforachi District Landlords/Indigenous Farmers Association led by Mr John Muhammed Audu who informed the chairman that an MoU was reached earlier in conjunction with traditional rulers to identify all resident herders in the area, keep out unregistered migrating herders and ensure justice for all forms of destruction of crops.
Oforachi I community leader, Hon. Adama Sani called on the chairman to “do everything necessary to stop the increasing influx of herders into our communities especially now that we have properly entered the farming season.”
Similarly, Alhaji Iliasu Usman decried the massive influx of herders and cattle from the East. He warned that tempers are beginning to flare. “We don’t want violence. We want a peaceful and coordinated arrangement that can keep herders away from farmers and farm lands,” he added.
Hon James Onoja commended the people of Oforachi I and II for their selflessness and community development strides. He emphasised that “peace and security has always been a cardinal focus of my administration and will continue to remain that way.
“I will continue to work with you and peace loving herders to ensure peace and harmony, and the elimination of criminal elements.”
Hon. Onoja also expressed his readiness to visit farms and speak with farmers directly as well as traditional rulers and cattle camps in the area as early as next week.
